Rare Billy Martin Single-Signed Baseball with Unique Inscription to Umpire Durwood Merrill

A Unique Piece of Baseball History: Billy Martin’s Inscribed Baseball

An Unforgettable Encounter with Umpires

In the realm of baseball memorabilia, few items capture the fiery spirit of the game quite like this OAL MacPhail baseball. A testament to the intense and often tumultuous relationship between managers and umpires, this baseball is inscribed by none other than Billy Martin, the legendary manager of the New York Yankees. Known for his passionate and sometimes contentious interactions with umpires, Martin’s legacy is immortalized in this one-of-a-kind artifact.

The Inscription: A Bold Statement

On the south panel of the baseball, Billy Martin’s signature graces the surface in blue ink, with a rating of 7-8. However, it is the inscription on the sweet spot that truly sets this piece apart. In a bold and unfiltered expression, Martin wrote, “To Tom Fuck You & Your Pal (Durwood) Kiss My Dago Ass,” also in blue ink with a similar rating of 7-8. This candid message was directed at umpire Durwood Merrill after Martin’s ejection from a game in New York.

A Provenance of Passion

Accompanying this extraordinary baseball is a letter from Durwood Merrill himself, a former MLB umpire. The letter reveals the story behind the inscription: “this baseball was inscribed by Billy Martin after I ejected him from a game in NY. Since he could not come back on the field after being ejected, he chose to write what he felt on the baseball and sent it out via the bat boy out to the crew that day…it has been a part of my collection for 20 years.” This provenance adds a layer of authenticity and historical significance to the piece.

Condition and Accompaniments

• Condition: The baseball exhibits a toned appearance, rated as EX- overall, reflecting its age and storied past.
• Accompaniments: The ball is further accompanied by a Letter of Authenticity (LOA) from JSA, as well as an additional LOA, ensuring its place as a cherished item in any sports memorabilia collection.

The Significance of Billy Martin’s Legacy

Billy Martin’s tenure as a manager was marked by his fiery temperament and unwavering dedication to the game. His interactions with umpires were legendary, often resulting in memorable ejections and confrontations. This inscribed baseball serves as a tangible reminder of Martin’s larger-than-life personality and his indelible impact on the sport.

For collectors and enthusiasts, this baseball is not just a piece of memorabilia; it is a fragment of baseball history, a testament to the passion and intensity that define the game. As part of our MLB auctions, this item offers a rare opportunity to own a piece of the Yankees’ storied past. Whether you are looking to sell baseball memorabilia or add to your collection, this baseball is a must-have for any true fan of the sport.

* This text was generated from the original auction listing.